U.S. patent number 6,636,273 [Application Number 09/774,529] was granted by the patent office on 2003-10-21 for remote control dedicated keybutton for confirming tuner setting of a tv set to a specific channel setting.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Savvy Frontiers Patent Trust. Invention is credited to Harold J. Weber.
United States Patent |
6,636,273 |
Weber |
October 21, 2003 |
Remote control dedicated keybutton for confirming tuner setting of
a TV set to a specific channel setting
Abstract
Portable remote controller for accessory television devices for
program channel selection and other operating functions. A single
uniquely identified keybutton enables the viewer to remotely reset
a televisor's video input to an "unused" channel such as channel 3.
After a reset, the remote controller's functions revert to whatever
device was previously selected. A variation provides that
intentional pressing of a a "device selection" button, such as a
CBL "cable box select" button, for a few seconds implements the
input reset mode to automatically urge a specific video input
selection. Another variation senses an extent of a TV or other
device's "select" keybutton action. A partial depression of the TV
keybutton may merely initiate the usual device selection function.
By further depressing the TV keybutton a preceptive wireless signal
is automatically sent to remotely affirm the appropriate video
input selection.
Inventors: |
Weber; Harold J. (Centerville,
MA) |
Assignee: |
Savvy Frontiers Patent Trust
(Centerville, MA)
|
Family
ID: |
28792511 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/774,529 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/734;
348/E5.096; 348/725; 340/12.22; 348/E5.103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
21/42204 (20130101); H04N 21/4221 (20130101); H04N
5/44582 (20130101); H04N 21/47 (20130101); H04N
21/43615 (20130101); H04N 5/44 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/445 (20060101); H04N 5/44 (20060101); H04N
005/44 () |
Field of
Search: |
;348/734,725,552,553
;340/825.69,825.72,825.56,825.22,5.1,5.2,5.8
;455/352,355,92,3.03,3.04,151.2,186.2 ;725/37,38 ;379/102.03
;341/176 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1083745 |
|
Mar 2001 |
|
EP |
|
02260775 |
|
Oct 1990 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
"The Remote Control" by Curt Wohleber, Invention & Technology
magazine, pp 6-7, Winter 2001. .
"Encoder and Decoder Pairs", (MC145026, MC145027, MC145028,
SC41343, SC41344), Motorola Semiconductor Corp., Document No.
MC145026/D (c)1995 Motorola Inc., pp 1-19..
|
Primary Examiner: Hsia; Sherrie
Claims
I claim for my invention:
1. A remote controller method including a keypad entry for device
selection and functional instruction and comprising steps of:
presently selecting a command mode for one of at least two remotely
controlled devices; first entering a user preferred functional
instruction command into the keypad; sending the user preferred
functional instruction command to the presently selected said
remotely controlled device; manually actuating a first dedicated
keybutton switch; overriding the presently selected remotely
controlled device with a priority selection of a predesignated
device in a measured response to the manual actuation of the first
dedicated keybutton; sending a preceptive setup command to the
predesignated device; and, returning the presently selected command
mode preexisting the manual actuation of the first dedicated
keybutton.
2. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: intercoupling a first video signal interlink between a first
video signal output of a first said remotely controlled device and
a first video signal input of a second said remotely controlled
device; first pretuning the first video signal output tuning to the
preset channel; first setting the first video signal input tuning
to match the preset channel; and, affirming the first setting of
the first video signal input tuning to coincide with a preset
channel selection defined by the preceptive setup command urged by
the remote controller.
3. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising a further
step of: maintaining data representing the preceptive setup command
in a preceptive data memory; and, reading the preceptive setup
command stored in the preceptive data memory in immediate response
to the manual actuation of the first dedicated keybutton.
4. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: intercoupling a first video signal interlink between a first
video output of a first remotely controlled device and the first
video input of a second remotely controlled device; pretuning the
first video signal output to a predetermined interlink channel
defined by the user preferred functional instruction command; and,
said sending the preceptive setup command to establish tuning of
the first video signal input to the interlink channel.
5. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: intercoupling a first video signal interlink between a first
video output of a first remotely controlled device and the first
video input of a second remotely controlled device; pretuning the
first video signal output to a predetermined interlink channel;
said sending the preceptive setup command to establish a tuning of
the first video signal input to the interlink channel; assigning
the first dedicated keybutton switch for manual actuation to assert
the sending of the preceptive setup command; first asserting the
preceptive setup command to comprise a selection of the second
remotely controlled device and affirming the first video input
tuning to the predetermined interlink channel; and, whereby manual
actuation of the dedicated keybutton switch serves to submit the
interlink selection command, as usually one of channel 3 and
channel 4, with exclusive priority to the second remotely
controlled device.
6. The remote controller method of claim 5 comprising further steps
of: overriding an immediate device selection upon the actuation of
the dedicated keybutton switch concurrent with the exclusive
priority selection of the second remotely controlled device; said
submitting the preceptive setup command to the second remotely
controlled device; and, immediately returning to the device
selection preexisting the submission of the preceptive setup
command to the second remotely controlled device.
7. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: establishing the predesignated device selection to include
actuation of a televisor selection or TV selection key; predefining
setup of the remote controller to define the TV selection key
actuation to include the automatic sending of the preceptive setup
command as a preset channel selection command to the televisor;
and, ordering affirmative tuning of the first video signal input
port comprising the televisor to be set to conform with the preset
channel selection command usually as one of channel 3 and channel
4.
8. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: said entering the user preferred functional instruction command
as usually a plurality of individually selected keypad entries;
temporarily accumulating the individually selected keypad entries
as a sequence of selection data stored in a register; manually
actuating a second dedicated keybutton switch; retrieving the
stored sequence of selection data from the register in
subsequential response to the manual actuation of the second
dedicated keybutton switch; said sending the user preferred
functional instruction command characterized by the retrieved
sequence of stored selection data in further response to the manual
actuation of the second dedicated keybutton; and, whereby the user
may complete an entry sequence for the several individually
selected keypad entries prior to actuation of the second dedicated
keybutton and the sending of the user preferred functional
selection command to the presently selected said remotely
controlled device.
9. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further steps
of: configuring the keypad to include at least two user actuatable
device selection keybuttons; assigning one of the device selection
keybuttons as the first designated keybutton to functionally select
the predesignated device; obtaining a momentary user actuation of
the designated keybutton to immediately select and enable the
sending of the user preferred functional instruction commands to
the predesignated device; and, maintaining user urged actuation of
the designated keybutton in excess of a finite period of time and
usually at least one second whereupon the preceptive setup command
is automatically sent to the predesignated device.
10. The remote controller method of claim 1 comprising further
steps of: defining the first dedicated keybutton switch as
comprising a device selection keybutton; said selecting the command
mode for the predesignated device determined by the manual
actuation of the device selection keybutton; commencing a first
timing interval with an onset of the manual actuation of the first
dedicated keybutton; said sending the preceptive setup command to
the predesignated device in an automatic response to a maintaining
of the manual actuation of the device selection keybutton for a
time period measurably exceeding the first timing interval; and,
whereby each of the device selection entries may include a
provision for sending a preceptive instruction to a corresponding
device.
11. A remote controller method comprising steps of: first
associating a remotely controlled apparatus comprising a televisor
and an ancillary device; first linking an intermediate video signal
coupled between the ancillary device's output port and the
televisor's input port; first presetting a carrier frequency of the
intermediate video signal delivered by the ancillary device to a
predetermined channel and usually selected as one of channel 3 and
channel 4; configuring a portable remote controller to include a
keypad port enabling a user to manually enter and first send device
selection and channel tuning commands to at least one of the
devices comprising the remotely controlled apparatus; configuring
the portable remote controller to include a user actuatable first
dedicated keybutton operated switch to enable the user to
particularly send a preceptive function signal to the televisor for
affirming an immediate tuning of the televisor's input port to
preferably match the first preset carrier frequency of the
intermediate video signal.
12. The remote controller method of claim 11 wherein the
predetermined channel selection command comprises further steps of:
first encoding the preceptive function signal to particularly
select the televisor; and, second encoding the preceptive function
signal to effect an immediate tuning of the televisor's input port
to match the intermediate video signal's said first preset carrier
frequency.
13. The remote controller method of claim 11 further comprising
steps of: designating the first dedicated keybutton as a preferably
singular keybutton actuated switch privately assigned to affirming
an interlink setup mode and interlink channel selection compliance
between a source of interlink signal delivered by the ancillary
device and the televisor's input port.
14. The remote controller method of claim 11 further comprising
steps of: temporarily storing the device selection and the channel
tuning commands that are said manually entered by the user as first
command data in a register; configuring a user actuatable second
keybutton operated switch; subsequently retrieving the first
command data in immediate response to a user urged actuation of the
second keybutton operated switch; immediately sending a command
signal sequence to at least one of the devices comprising the
remotely controlled apparatus, thereby conveying the device
selection and the channel tuning commands temporarily stored in and
subsequently retrieved from the register.
15. The remote controller method of claim 11 further comprising
steps of: configuring the portable remote controller to include a
plurality of separate manually actuatable device selection
keybuttons including one designated for selecting the televisor;
momentarily actuating the device selection keybutton assigned to
selection of the televisor thereby enabling a sending of user
preferred channel tuning commands to the televisor; and,
maintaining user urged actuation of the televisor designated device
selection keybutton for a finite period of time usually exceeding
one second thereby enabling a sending of the predetermined channel
command to the televisor.
16. A remote controller apparatus comprising: a first keypad data
entry means comprising a first switch means including a plurality
of individually operable user accessible keybutton switches which
may be manually actuated in concert to select and to initiate an
immediate and usually multi-digit command function to implement
control at least one of a televisor and an ancillary device
ordinarily coupled with the televisor; and, a manually actuatable
second switch means which may initiate translation of a preceptive
function signal to the televisor; a wireless sender means first
modulated by a first set of uniquely encoded command signals
comprising the immediate command function and operational to link a
first set of wireless commands with at least one of the televisor
and the ancillary device; and, the wireless sender means second
modulated by a second set of uniquely encoded command signals
comprising the preceptive function signal and operational to link a
second set of wireless commands exclusively with the televisor to
assert an immediate extent of interface signal compatibility
between the televisor video signal input port and the ancillary
device's video signal output port.
17. The remote controller apparatus of claim 16 adapted to overcome
data entry failure caused by a lapse of excessive time delay
between individual digits submitted using the first keypad data
entry means to enter the multi-digit command function and further
comprising: a memory means for temporarily storing the multi-digit
command data as an ordered representation of the first set of
uniquely encoded command signals; a manually actuatable third
switch means; a memory readout means responsive to a user entered
manual actuation of the third switch means and effective for
encouraging an orderly retrieval of the temporarily stored
multi-digit command data from the memory means; a combinatorial
means for formatting the retrieved said temporarily stored
multi-digit command data into the first set of uniquely encoded
command signals; the wireless sender means said first modulated by
the retrieved and formatted said first set of uniquely encoded
command signals; and, whereby the user may deliberately enter two
or more selection digits comprising the multi-digit command
function which are immediately accumulated in a temporary memory
and upon completion of the entry of the digits, a separate
keybutton is manually actuated which operates the third switch,
commencing an ordered readout of the temporarily stored data and an
immediately urging of a sending of the temporarily stored data as a
rapid-fire multi-digit sequential wireless transmission to
establish the multi-digit command function relative with the
remotely controlled ancillary device.
18. The remote controller apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
the second switch means identified for particularly selecting the
televisor and usually marked TV and to include a first extent of
actuation and a second extent of actuation exceeding the first; a
first signal processor receptive to the first extent of actuation
to first deliver a televisor selection signal; a second signal
processor receptive to the second extent of actuation to second
deliver the second set of uniquely encoded command signals to said
second modulate the wireless sender means; and, wherein a manual
partial actuation of the second switch means solely selects the
televisor and enables the user to utilize the first keyboard means
to subsequently further select and urge wireless linking of the
first set of wireless commands with the televisor, and the manual
full actuation of the second switch means automatically links the
second set of wireless commands with the solely selected
televisor.
19. The remote controller apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
the second switch means identified for particularly selecting the
televisor and usually marked TV; a first timer means initiated
concurrent with an actuation of the second switch means and
configured to define elapse of a finite period of time; a first
signal processor receptive to actuation of the second switch means
to first deliver a televisor selection signal; a second signal
processor responsive to a maintained actuation of the second switch
means for an indefinite period of time, at least exceeding the
finite period of time defined by the first timer means, to second
deliver the second set of uniquely encoded command signals to said
second modulate the wireless sender means; and, wherein a manual
actuation of the second switch means for a first period of time
measurably less than the finite period of time solely selects the
televisor and enables the user to utilize the first keyboard means
to subsequently further select and urge wireless linking of the
first set of wireless commands with the televisor, and a maintained
manual actuation of the second switch means for a second period of
time measurably exceeding the finite period of time automatically
links the second set of wireless commands with the solely selected
televisor.
20. The remote controller apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
a first logic means responsive to a selection of an ancillary
device and for automatically initiating the wireless sending of
preceptive function signal to the televisor in automatic response
to the manual actuation of at least one of the individual keybutton
switches comprising the first switch means; and, wherein an
assertion of the immediate correspondence in channel selection
tuning between the televisor video signal input port and the
ancillary device's video signal output port is automatically
affirmed concurrent with every first set of wireless commands sent
to the selected ancillary device.
Description
PROBLEM OVERVIEW
A hand held remote control is a popular accessory widely used with
many types of contemporaneous entertainment equipment, such as
television sets (a "televisor"), cable TV converters ("cable
boxes"), satellite receivers, DVR-machines and VCR-machines. Remote
controls are produced in many variations by Universal Electronics,
Inc. (Cypress, Calif.), Recoton Corp. (Lake Mary, Fla.) and a
number of notable brand name makers such as Daewoo, Emerson, GE,
Gold Star, Magnavox, Panasonic, Philips, Quasar, RCA, Samsung,
Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Zenith and others. There are also many
makers of "private label" controls.
EARLY REMOTE CONTROL METHODS
About 1950 Zenith Radio Corporation introduced what is purported to
be the "first remote control", at least for a television set. It
was then called the "Lazy Bones" station selector and consisted of
little more than a thumb operated switch located on the end of a
long length of cable connected to the television set. Inside the
television set, the control operated a geared-down motor that
mechanically stepped the tuner through the then-common 12 or less
possible channel tuning positions. Some versions provided for a
motor driven volume control.
By 1955 Zenith Radio had advanced the art to introduce a wireless
remote called the "Flash-Matic" which included a handheld remote
control that looked like a "ray gun" and it was simply pointed at
any one of several photocells, where one was located at each corner
of the screen. The remote would urge the television set to change a
channel or change volume level and even turn on and off in response
to these light beam commands. The choice of action depended upon
which "corner" of the screen the "ray gun" remote control was aimed
at. However, the remote was unpredictable in behaviour due to the
light beam not being encoded and therefore, the photocells were
susceptible to interference from stray light sources such as table
lamps and sunshine.
To overcome these objectionable difficulties, Zenith Radio next
introduced a highly successful ultrasonic "SpaceCommand" remote
control in 1956 and by 1959 most of the major television makers
were offering some form of ultrasonic remote control. This early
form of ultrasonic remote control depended upon a different
ultrasonic "tone pitch" for each function. In the early Zenith
Radio controls, the ultrasonic "note" was simply "sounded" by a
mechanical contrivance striking a metal tube, somewhat like a door
chime arrangement. It was not otherwise encoded and therefore
continued to be susceptible to interference from other sources such
as the jingling of keys, squeaks, whistles and horn blasts. As time
passed, Zenith Radio and others introduced all-electronic
ultrasonic remote controls an example of which is discussed by
Podowski, et al in U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,756. In spite of the various
shortcomings experienced by users of ultrasonic remote controllers,
for about 25 years, the ultrasonic operated remote control
technique reigned supreme.
About 1980 the infrared remote control gained popularity. Inspired
by the opportunity for providing an interference-free digitized
transmission of commands using uniquely binary pulse encoded
signals, the infrared remote control quickly dominated the remote
controller market. The well defined carrier (e.g., a light beam)
enabled sophisticated modulation of highly encoded digital format
command signals. An early example of this better technology was
manifested by the Motorola MC145026P encoder ordinarily used
together with the companion MC14527P or MC14528P decoder.
Techniques improved and the market expanded and matured, demanding
far more functions with a level of reliability and convenience
never even dreamed of when the original "Lazy bones" was
introduced. Acceptance of a remotely controlled television set was
furthered by the rapid improvements in television set technology
during the '70s and '80s. For example, televisions of that era
introduced fully semiconductor operation with enhanced operational
stability. Automatic frequency control was introduced and rapidly
became a virtually universal feature in the new tuners introduced
during that period. Gone were fine-tuning controls, horizontal and
vertical hold controls and other nuisance aspects of early
televisions of the '50s and '60s. Today's remote controls contain
dedicated microprocessor circuits that, together with various
combinations of RAM and ROM, give the user considerable flexibility
in command function choices for an ever-widening array of remotely
controlled apparatus.
ENCODED LIGHT BEAM SIGNAL SENDS COMMAND
All modern remote controls are utilized in essentially the same
manner. A numerical channel selection entry or other
multiple-keystroke command is simply (but not necessarily
conveniently) entered into a keypad "one keystroke at a time"
through finger actuation of a keypad's numerical digit and function
keybuttons. Each individual keybutton entry normally initiates an
immediate sending of an encoded infrared beam as a command to any
presently selected one of usually several available entertainment
equipment devices.
Various command encoding schemes for use with an infrared
(invisible) light beam have been around for a long time. In an
earlier U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,377,006 and 4,425,647 for "IR Remote
Control System" Collins et al introduces transmitting an infrared
light beam encoded with instructions for controlling the functions
of a television set. This is one of the earliest applications of
infrared remote control intended specifically for enabling a user
to adjust a televisor's settings. These teachings also show the use
of a redundant signal encoding technique intended to encourage
error-free operation, in spite of a presence of extraneous
interference.
There are many commonplace arrangements of televisors and
associated devices, such as video cassette recorder (VCR) machines,
digital video recorder (DVR) machines, satellite receivers and
cable boxes. One mutual thread in their usual hookup is that the
cable box or VCR-machine "works ahead of" the televisor. In other
words, the cable box or VCR-machine, or other ancillary device, is
linked to the televisor, usually with a short length of coaxial
cable. A widely held practice is to preset the output signal
provided from the cable box or VCR-machine to one of an usually
"locally unused" or "empty" channel 3 or channel 4. As a result of
this determination, the input to the televisor must be specifically
tuned to the same channel as the output signal to be
compatible.
Several commonplace arrangements of televison viewing devices
appear in Table I.
TABLE I Device Device A Device B Device C Linking R-T -- -- -- T
C-R -- C > T T V-R -- V > T T V R-C C > V > T T V -- --
where: R = Receiver (real or virtual) T = TV Set or "Televisor" C =
Cable Box V = VCR or DVR machine (or equivalent)
In this Table I, a receiver (R) may be a cable box (C) or the
receiver front-end of a VCR-machine (V), for example. It may also
represent the receiver portion of a home theater system. The
VCR-machine (V) may also represent a DVD machine, or other
ancillary device such as a DVR-machine or delayed playback machine.
The cable box (C) may reasonably include a satellite receiver, or
similar apparatus. The "linking" suggests the intercoupling of the
local video channel (e.g., channel 3 or 4) between devices. The
arrangement C>V>T means the output of device C (e.g, cable
box) is coupled to an input of device V (e.g., VCR-machine) whilst
the output of device V is coupled with an input of device T (the
televisor).
Most particularly, when a television set (T) and a cable box or a
VCR-machine are utilized together, the remote control may be used
to change channels on one or the other piece of equipment that is
used as the "virtual receiver" (R). By virtual receiver, I intend
to identify the device that acts as the determiner of the incoming
program content signal channel selection and usually channels
laying between channel "2" and channel "99" in typical cable
systems, or between channel "2" and about channel "60" in "over the
air" broadcasting. It may also include three digit program channel
selections above channel "99" used with many satellite receivers
and some cable systems.
In these commonplace arrangements shown in Table I, in each
combination except where the televisor serves as the receiver
(R-T), either the cable box or the VCR-machine serves as the
remotely tunable program selecting "receiver" (R) (e.g., "virtual
receiver"), usually by delivering a replication of the desired
program content (video content) on a fixed and ordinarily "lower"
intermediate channel.
Cable boxes, VCR-machines and satellite receivers are commonly used
in various combinations with televisors to enable a user a wide
range of viewing options. A more contemporaneous arrangement may
include a DVR (digital video recorder) machine instead of (or
substituted for) the VCR-machine.
INTERLINK USING SUBCARRIER CHANNEL
A well known and common device interlinking practice is to
specifically set the TV set tuning selection to channel 3 (or
sometimes channel 4) to match up with the intermediate channel
signal delivered from the cable box or VCR/DVR-machine output. It
remains urgent that the TV set remain set to the specific
intermediate channel selection (e.g., channel 3 or channel 4) when
the incoming program signal selections are changed between
available program source channel preferences, for example channel
27 or 39 or 73 or .0.5.
To perform this feat with the usual type of remote control
arrangement requires that the viewer press the "TV" button, press
channel selection keybuttons ".0." plus "3", then press the "CBL"
button and enter the channel choice, as for example digit
keybuttons "2" plus "7" for the channel 27 preference.
This is the point where confusion sets-in with operation of the
usual remote control. So-called "universal" remote controls are
particularly susceptible to user confusion and aggravation. In the
commonplace incident where the user forgets to press the "CBL"
button after specifically setting the necessitous TV channel .0.3
selection, the TV set ends up being inadvertently and erroneously
set to a "wrong" channel other than the necessitous channel .0.3
setting. Similarly, the user may unwittingly press the "TV" button
when intending "CBL" button controlled channel selections.
In other words, the user may mistakenly enter program channel
changes erroneously into the TV set's tuner rather than correctly
into the cable box tuner. This results in obvious difficulty,
because the present program is lost and the desired program is not
found. Often the result is a screen full of "snow", or a
confusingly "wrong" channel selection with no apparent correlation
between the intended selection and the setting of either the cable
box or the TV set. User frenzy sets in and often the viewer ends up
confused as to why he is getting the wrong program, if any at all.
The result is missed program content.
Available remote controls lack a simple and quick way for a viewer
to quickly correct this problem brought about by having
inadvertently "moved" the TV tuner setting to a "wrong" channel.
This convenience has long been overlooked by makers of remotely
controlled entertainment devices. As a result, viewers frequently
miss an important "beginning portion" of a movie or "opening
action" of a sports game due to the time consuming need to "figure
out" what is wrong. This sometimes even requires the assistance of
others having more familiarity with what the problem is.
ELDERLY USERS
Virtually all prior art remote controllers, with the possible
exception of that which is shown in the prior U.S. Pat. No.
6,094,239 categorically lack offering a convenience of operation
for their use by elderly users or senior citizens. Observation and
experience suggests that, in view of the aging of the general
population, an increasing number of users must necessarily endure a
limited capability for achieving foolproof operation of a televisor
when used with other apparatus, such as a cable box, satellite
receiver, VCR machine and so forth. As a result, the senior citizen
user is often faced with the confusion caused by having mistakenly
changed the televisor channel tuning away from the necessitous
channel 3 setting while trying to change the incoming program
channel settings on a cable box or other device. The extent of this
confusion varies, but it is often accompanied by a compromise where
the senior user may "stick with" the same channel most of the time,
out of an unnecessary fear that to any attempt to change channels
will screw everything up.
In my earlier invention, shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,239 for
"Remote Control for a Television Enabling a User to Enter and
Review a Channel Selection Choice Immediately Prior to Sending an
Encoded Channel Selection Command to the Television", I discuss
(among other points) the issue of maintaining a TV set tuning fixed
on channel 3 (or channel 4) to match the signal provided from the
typical output of a cable box or a VCR-machine. In this earlier
invention, I do address the long-standing need to more effectively
confirm and reaffirm the correct tuning relationship between a
televisor and a cable box or VCR-machine, especially when used by
the technically inept, physically challenged or elderly viewer. In
this earlier invention, I attain this affirmative step by sending a
duplex remote command signal. In other words, with each entry of a
channel change command to the cable box or VCR-machine (for
example, a viewer entered change to channel 14) a concurrent
channel 03 channel affirmation command is automatically sent to the
televisor. This duplex sending of the televisor's channel 03
command is made transparent to the viewer, assuring that the
televisor's tuner is, in fact, kept tuned to channel 03 (or,
optionally channel 04 in some cases). Remember that the submission
of the VCR-machine channel change command and accompanying channel
03 predicative setup of the televisor is obtained by the user's
initiation of the SEND or LINK keybutton command. This additional
step gives the user an opportunity for aligning the remote
controller with the remotely controlled device before sending the
commands.
A manual procedure for correcting a "messed up" current art
combination of televisor (e.g., TV set) and cable box when trying
to receive program content incoming on channel 26 (for example)
necessarily includes these various manually expressed steps:
STEP ACTION RESULT 1 Press "TV" Keybutton Places Remote in TV Mode
2 Press "0" Keybutton Sends value "0" to TV Set Tuner 3 Press "3"
Keybutton Sends value "3" to TV Set Tuner (TV Set tunes to Channel
3) 4 Press "CBL" Keybutton Places Remote in Cable Box Mode 5 Press
"2" Keybutton Sends value "2" to Cable Box 6 Press "6" Keybutton
Sends value "6" to Cable Box (Cable Box tunes to Channel 26)
With reasonable luck and patience, this sequence will have changed
the televisor input tuning to Channel 3 to match the fixed (preset)
channel 3 signal delivered from the cable box and it will further
have changed the cable box tuning to channel 26 allowing receipt of
the desired "channel 26" program content.
The problem overview concludes that the mistuning of a televisor
and cable box or VCR-machine combination is a commonplace problem
which nearly every TV viewer encounters at one time or another.
More particularly, the mistuning issue becomes a paramount
inconvenience issue for elderly persons and persons who are
physically or mentally challenged for one reason or another. On
another front, mistuning of a televisor in relation with a cable
box becomes problematic for virtually anyone when usage is
attempted in a darkened viewing room, or while under the influence
of medications or an alcoholic beverage.
In another U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,511 for a "Universal Remote Control
Unit" inventors Rumbolt et al present a hand held remote control
intended for use with any of a variety of television sets,
VCR-machines, disk players and other devices. It also discusses the
advantage afforded by sending a concurrent command for switching
the television set to an "empty channel to be used for display"
when the VCR-machine's "play" command is sent. However, this
invention is silent regarding any utilization of a separate acting
"SEND" or "LINK" function initiating keybutton or even a virtual
function acting as a "SEND" function. This earlier invention merely
sends the "unused channel" selection command essentially concurrent
with a sending of the "play" command to the associated VCR-machine
immediately upon a pressing of the "PLAY" keybutton, whether or not
the user has had time to move the remote controller from a viewable
position to a position suitable for wireless (light beam) sending
of the command. This is one of the problematic situations which my
present invention corrects.
INTERLINKING USING VIDEO DATA SIGNALS
Contemporary televisors are often equipped with direct video input
connections, which interpret to mean that the video data is not
superimposed on a subcarrier such as channel 3, but rather it is
simply the basic video signal itself. This type of connection is
most commonly encountered when connecting between a "digital"
televisor, when used with a DVD-player or DVR-machine, as well as
direct-digital satellite receivers and similar devices. It is also
quite common in home theater hookups.
As with the analog counterpart, where channel 3 interlink settings
must be maintained, the direct video inputs may also require a
maintained setting. For example, a digital televisor may offer
selection of more than one input connection which needs to be
selected between.
In the practice of my invention, I mostly discuss the resetting of
a televisor to the analog composite video signal modulated channel
3 (or channel 4) interlink setting. You must realize that the same
automatic reassertion of essential intercoupling settings may be
vitally obtained using my invention's automatic scheme for
reconfirming essential setup states in the televisor, as well as
other devices. Therefore, realize that my discussion of interlink
reassertion methods and related teachings directed generally
towards the automatic resetting of the interlink video signal to a
necessitous "channel" is equally applicable to automatically
reaffirming that the interlinking direct video signal input
settings are in fact set to the necessary states.
BACKGROUND OF MY INVENTION
Cable and satellite originated television reception is nearly
ubiquitous in today's modern home. In the usual arrangement, a
cable box or satellite signal receiver is coupled with an ordinary
television set (or televisor). In such an arrangement, an incoming
program source signal coupled with the cable box input may be
presented on a specific channel, usually set between channels 2
through 99, more or less. Usual practice is to convert the
viewer-selected incoming program source's cable channel originated
signal into an intermediate "video" channel signal.
It is typical practice for this intermediate video channel signal
to be preset to a fixed carrier frequency coupling signal
interlinked between the cable box output and the televisor input.
Usually this interlinked coupling signal is preset to a locally
"vacant" VHF channel and ordinarily one of either channel 3 or
channel 4. Similarly, when a satellite receiver is utilized it may
down-convert the incoming satellite signal (which may similarly
span many channels) into a similar preset fixed-channel
intermediate signal. Conversely, in either arrangement a direct
video signal connection may establish the interlink coupling.
Video cassette recorder (VCR) machines are nearly universal in the
modern home. VCR-machines have several distinct operating modes.
The primary betterment concerned with in this invention involves
the ability for the VCR-machine to receive an incoming cable (or
antenna) originated signal usually between channel 2 and channel 99
(or higher) and adapt it to that of the intermediate channel
signal, similar to the operation of a cable box. In effect the
VCR-machine becomes not only a recorder, but a "pretuner", or a
"receiver ahead of the TV set", in effect the "virtual receiver"
mentioned earlier. Normally, the user utilizes the VCR-machine to
select a preferred program channel typically selected between
channel 2 and channel 99 (or higher) in this hookup. The incoming
signal is then down-converted to the intermediate channel carrier
frequency (e.g., channel 3 or 4) and coupled with the televisor
input. This arrangement enables a viewing of program content prior
to or simultaneously with recording the program. Viewing the
incoming program signal on the televisor screen is the most
practical way to determine if the program being recorded is, in
fact, the program desired to be recorded. Furthermore, viewers
often content themselves with solely using the VCR tuner as their
program tuner even when not recording, thereby always leaving the
televisor set on the interlink channel such as channel 3.
The other VCR-machine operating mode of interest is where the
playback of a previously recorded video tape results in a modulated
intermediate channel carrier frequency signal interlinked from the
VCR-machine output to the television set input. In this mode, the
VCR-machine usually delivers the tape playback signal modulated on
the intermediate channel carrier signal, or interlink signal,
usually preset to either one of channel 3 or channel 4.
It is well known that cable boxes and VCR-machines typically have
an owner accessible "selector switch", "setup switch" or the like
(usually on their rear panel) which is presetable to either one of
channel 3 or channel 4 by the user during initial system hookup. It
is this "preset switch", or an equivalent arrangement, which
determines the intermediate channel frequency for program content
transferred between the VCR-machine output or cable box output, and
the televisor input. This is a local video interlink signal,
usually maintained on a fixed carrier frequency determined by the
internal workings of the VCR-machine or cable box electronics.
In order for the television set to operate properly with these
several arrangements, it is fundamentally necessary that the
televisor's input tuner be set to and absolutely kept tuned on the
same channel as that of the preset intermediate channel (or video
interlink signal) originated by the "cable box", VCR-machine or
other apparatus. In other words, it is of utmost importance that
the user keeps the televisor tuned to channel 3 (or channel 4) for
satisfactory viewing.
For example, if the cable box is set to tune an incoming program on
channel 9 and the cable box "output" intermediate channel signal is
preset to channel 3, the televisor tuning must be maintained set to
channel 3. When the user changes the incoming program selection on
the cable box from channel 9 to channel 63 (for example), the
television tuning must assuredly remain set on channel 3. If the
user inadvertently alters the televisor tuner setting, lets say by
mistakenly resetting the televisor input to channel 5, the
resulting mismatch between the cable box channel 3 output and the
televisor's erroneous channel 5 setting is ordinarily enough to
interrupt television viewing or at least it will shift the incoming
channel selections where a setting of the cable box to channel 63
may result in receiving a program from some incoming signal channel
other than channel 63. At best, the result is merely annoying until
the user realizes his error in changing the televisor setting from
that of channel 3 to channel 5. At worst, the user may incur the
cost of an unnecessary service call because "something appears to
be wrong with the television set".
PROBLEMS WITH CURRENT ART
In the "real world", it is not at all unusual for a viewer to
accidentally change the television channel selection, for example
from the necessitous intermediate signal channel 3 setting, to an
erroneous channel setting, such as channel 6, 15 or 39 for example.
This misbecoming state can occur for a variety of reasons,
including: 1)--The extraordinary complexity of keypads on many
"universal" and OEM remote controls confuses the viewer, especially
when the viewer is elderly, visually or physically handicapped,
bewildered by medications or intoxicants, or simply trying to use
the remote control in a dimly lit viewing room; 2)--Several
different "original equipment" remote controls are needed to
operate the television and VCR-machine or cable box. For example,
one remote control is needed to turn the televisor on and off and
adjust volume, or other viewing parameters such as brightness, etc.
A second remote control is then needed to select a preferred
incoming program channel on the cable box, VCR-machine or whatever
other accessory device is involved. Obviously this requirement for
more than one remote control can, in and of itself, lead to
confusion and of course resetting the intermediate channel
selection for the televisor to a "wrong channel", say rather than
the necessitous channel 3 is quite likely to occur. Most commonly
this happens merely because the viewer picks-up the wrong remote
control and begins to enter channel changes which for example may
mistakenly tune the televisor to an erroneous channel other than
the necessitous channel 3 (or channel 4). 3)--A handheld
"universal" remote controller may be used which is intended to
replace two or more manufacturer's original equipment remote
controls. A typical universal remote control, such as a RCA
"SystemLink-4" Model RCU1400VP, includes four buttons marked TV,
VCR, CABLE and AUX. Pressing the appropriate button places the
remote controller in each of the available modes in order to
operate with the associated televisor or accessory apparatus. Other
remote controls, such as the SANYO "Moonlight" Model RMT-U100 and
the Universal Electronics Inc. "One-For-All" Model 2060 operate in
a similar manner and thus they afford equivalent mechanisms for
introducing user error. Quite simply it is the obvious likelihood
that pressing the "wrong buttons" may introduce the "wrong
operation". Extend this to the usual real life setting found in a
dark room, maybe including distractions. Add eyesight limitations
and age issues and every chance for mistaken operation is present.
The result is attempted operation of a cable box or VCR-machine
with a televisor, while the televisor is set to the wrong
intermediate channel choice. The combinatorial consequence is mixed
up operation, wrong channel selections or perhaps just a snowy
screen with no picture at all.
While "resetting" the televisor back to the necessitous interlink
channel 3 (sometimes called the "video channel") is an obvious
technique for overcoming this problem, it is not a practical answer
in many everyday situations. For example, when a spectator sports
event (e.g., a football game or the like) is underway or when a
movie or similar program is about to begin, the erroneous mistuning
of the televisor to the wrong intermediate channel setting (e.g.,
something other than channel 3) can lead to an onset of frenzy in a
frantic attempt to "get everything running again" without lapse of
program content.
As a result, the viewer may miss an essential portion of his
program, such as a significant "play" in a football game, a
"knockout punch" in a boxing match, a news item at the beginning of
a news program, or a revealing sequence in a movie plot.
DIRECT VIDEO SIGNAL COUPLING
Contemporary arrangement for intercoupling a satellite receiver, a
DVR-machine, a "set-top box" (aka, "cable box"), a DVD-player
machine and similar devices often employ direct video signal level
interface. In other words, the interface is obtained without
modulation of a carrier (such as the mentioned channel 3 or channel
4). This arrangement is particularly found in "home theater"
setups, where premium quality televisors are used. Sometimes in
this home theater environment, the viewer "watches" a large screen
(or even projection) monitor which does not include a tuner. A
separate tuner is used, which is usually sporting many viewer
oriented features.
A selection of a specific combination of various devices does not
conform with the usual practice of "matching channels". It is not
unusual for a televisor to have provision for selecting any one of
a number of different input sources. Obviously, it is necessary
that the selected televisor input matches the sourced video
signal.
In practical terms, the "normalization" of the televisor input is
equivalent to the affirmative selection of a particular channel,
in-so-far as everyday operation of the equipment is concerned.
Therefore it must be considered that what I describe as pertinent
to establishing a particular interlink channel selection (e.g.,
channel 3 or channel 4) applies with equal force to establishing a
necessitous input selection such as "input 1" or "input 2". In
other words, selecting an interlink input is fully equivalent to
selecting an interlink channel, in-so-far as the applicability of
my teaching is concerned.
FIELD OF MY INVENTION
My invention generally pertains to televisors, cable boxes,
VCR-machines, DVR-machines and similar equipment ordinarily used in
conjunction with a hand held remote control for establishing their
convenient operation. My invention further pertains to wireless
remote controllers of all types and in particular to portable or
hand-held remote controllers commonly used for remotely entering
changes in the channel selection commands into various combinations
of televisors, VCR-machines, DVR-machines, satellite receivers and
cable boxes.
For purpose of this invention, the term televisor refers generally
to a television receiving apparatus, sometimes called a TV set.
Televisors are video displays having tunable inputs which may
typically select any one of dozens of channels representing analog
format or digital format video signals modulated on a channel
related carrier frequency. Normally the video signals include
various categories of program content of interest to the
viewer.
More pointedly, my invention pertains to the necessity for
maintaining a concurrent synchronization of requisite "video
channel" settings for the carrier frequency interlinked between a
TV set and any of a plurality of apparatus hooked together in an
operational group. In the most common arrangements, the ancillary
device such as a cable box delivers an output signal preset on an
intermediate carrier frequency and modulated by the selected
program content. Usually this intermediate interlink signal (video
interlink signal) is centered about the television channel 3 or
channel 4 frequencies, as designated by the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission. The video interlink signal is ordinarily
coupled with the tuner input of the televisor, with the requirement
that the televisor be maintained set on a corresponding channel 3
or 4.
SUMMARY
The objectionable consequences of a misadjusted intermediate
interlink signal channel selection or video input "source"
selection on a televisor is best overcome, in accord with this
invention, through the novel expedient of providing a separate,
dedicated function button which overrides all other remote control
settings to singularly submit a preceptive "channel 3" or "channel
4" selection command to the televisor, or else an "input source"
selection command, assuring compatible operation between the
televisor input, and the cable box output, VCR-machine or other
ancillary device's output signal.
The preprogrammed button, perhaps called "LINK" (as in interLINK
setup), is furthermore best (but not necessarily) embodied as a
prominent and distinctly positioned dedicated single function
button relative with the rest of the remote control keypad button
array. This distinction may be attained by its offset position
relative to other keypad buttons, key-top color choice and larger
keybutton size. Due to the importance of this button's necessary
usage to be readily available to quickly confirm proper interlink
setup between the cable box output and the TV set input (for one
example) it's operation should preferably be absolutely unambiguous
in the usual viewer's usage environment. This includes use in a
dimly lit room, without reading glasses and while preoccupied or
distracted elsewhere (as with program content, etc.).
Upon pressing this LINK button, the remote control's other usual
functions are temporarily suspended. Activation of the novel LINK
button enables an infrared coupling beam (or wireless signal) to be
delivered to the TV set which is the virtual equivalent of pressing
the "TV" button, ".0." button and "3" button in a rapid-fire
sequence. Upon completion, the remote control's immediate device
selection mode is automatically returned to whatever device
selection mode it was operating in prior to pressing the LINK
button (e.g., if it had been in the CBL mode, it returns to the CBL
mode which is the virtual equivalent to the user pressing the "CBL"
button) thereby enabling viewer directed selection of incoming
cable program channels, such as channel "26", etc.
PRECEPTIVE MEMORY
Preceptive memory is a coined term presently referring to data
uniquely stored in the remote controller's memory which may
constitute the information necessary to construct and send the
affirming interlink signal setup command to the televisor or other
device. This data is preferably entered beforehand, such as during
manufacture of the remote controller, by download from another
computer or via the internet from a central computer, or at the
very least during initial manual setup of the remote controller by
an installer. It is generally preferable that the preceptive data
memory be tamper resistant and non-reprogrammable by usually
available keypad operations or entry sequences available to the
casual user of the remote controller. As a result of this
preference, preceptive memory data is best stored in ROM (Read Only
Memory) or non-volatile RAM (Random Access Memory), such as flash
memory, and battery backup supported RAM.
A DEDICATED UNCTION
The principal purpose of the dedicated LINK button operation is to
provide the viewer with a capability for readily and
unambiguitously establishing a necessitous setting of the TV set
tuner to the intermediate video signal channel 3 or channel 4 as
required for proper interlink coupling between the cable box and
the televisor. My invention's paramount novelty clearly resides in
the ability to establish a fully automatic, viewer-initiated
sending of a necessitous interlink channel selection to a televisor
typically used in conjunction with a cable box, VCR-machine or
similar apparatus. The idea is to make sure that the televisor's
video signal input is unequivocally set to the necessitous
interlink program signal channel .0.3 (or channel .0.4). The
amazing part of this feature is that pressing the LINK button sends
a "channel .0.3" command suitably encoded to be recognized by the
TV set, setting the TV set to channel "3" whereafter the operation
of the remote control is immediately returned back to its previous
state prior to pressing the LINK button . . . with all the
necessary steps remaining utterly transparent to the viewer and
with an almost negligible elapse of time.
In a usual remote controller arrangement, the portable remote
control device is handheld and is fitted with a keypad having
digits 0-9, plus several other commands available as separate keys
offering convenient manual keystroke entry by the user. In addition
to these usual keys, I include an exclusive LINK or equivalently
defined keybutton which is preferably distinctive in position,
shape, size or color so as to make it's use readily attainable even
under adverse conditions, such as in a darkened room.
In the current art, the remote controller usually submits a
selected instruction or channel selection to the associated
remotely controlled apparatus as a wireless command signal, encoded
for exclusive recognition of the function associated with the
controlled apparatus. To accomplish this feat, the remote
controller is ordinarily fitted with a read-only memory (ROM) which
holds a library of code sequences for a variety of possible
TV-sets, cable boxes, VCR-machines or other devices which might be
controlled by a user. Conversely, the remote controller may be
fitted with a non-volatile random access memory (RAM), noting that
a common volatile static RAM may be made virtually non-volatile by
merely utilizing a backup battery or the like. Similarly, the RAM
may take the form of a "FLASH" memory or it's equivalent. Such use
is known, typically found in the so-called "learning remotes" where
the code data may be downloaded from another remote, a computer
system or sometimes by internet connection.
Common remote controls of the infrared beam type (and by far the
most popular class) typically send a modal code sequence having a
distinctively different signature for each the TV set and the cable
box. Considerable effort is usually provided to minimize
interference between the recognition code of one device such as the
TV set and another device such as the cable box or VCR-machine.
In commercial practice, these unique modal codes are usually
identified as 3-digit or 4-digit numerical codes obtained from a
tabulation provided by the remote controller manufacturer.
Typically, the device codes (e.g., TV set, VCR-machine, cable box,
etc.) are included in a printed manual that accompanies the remote
controller when it is purchased. The device codes are then entered
during initial "setup" by the installer as a patterned sequence of
keypad entries which submit to a local memory in the remote
controller. In effect, this procedure customizes the remote
controller to work in conjunction with one or more particular
devices, such as a televisor and other ancillary devices.
Alternatively, most makers offer internet access via a proprietary
website in which they may list the pertinent codes and any updates
to the code list. However, the "printed" numerical code is merely
an identifier and the actual encoding signal delivered by the
remote controller is far more complex in its pulse train
encodement.
SENDING A "LINK" COMMAND
A standard remote control which has been enhanced to include my
invention becomes in reality, at least a "two device" controller.
This means that it utilizes one signature code to hail the TV set
and another for the cable box (or VCR-machine).
By way of example with this form of prior art a modal code
represented by 1324 may be selected for a TV-set and a modal code
represented by 2314 may be used for a cable box. In the remote's
usual use for selecting incoming program signals through the cable
box, the modal code 2314 weighted by a unique function selection
code, such as "5" as a first channel selection digit entry, is
usually sent to the cable box to establish the viewer's desired
changes in the cable box selections or settings.
Including my invention enables a unique operating sequence where,
upon pressing the LINK button a sequence of encoded signals read
from a preceptive memory are sent that override any other
preexistent device selection instruction and immediately signal the
televisor to be selected and tuned to the necessitous interlink
channel and usually designated as one of channel 3 or channel
4.
Typically the sequentially encoded wireless command signal
comprises a signal train where the modal code 1324 weighted by 0
precedes a sending of the modal code 1324 weighted by 3. The
virtual command sent to the televisor is equivalent to the viewer
having pressed the "TV" key, the ".0." key and the "3" key in
succession. The result is the affirmation of a channel 3 setting of
the TV set tuning.
But wait! More happens. After selecting the televisor and affirming
its channel selection is set to channel .0.3, the remote controller
automatically returns to whatever device selection preexisted the
pressing of the LINK button. The user's immediate perception is
that no change in his manual entry process has taken place. And in
a practical sense, he is right.
For purpose of this discussion, the term "weighted by" implies that
the modal code which serves to select the TV set or other device is
modified, usually by extension, to produce an encoded signature
command signal which not only determines the device selection but
also the command which is to be implemented in conjunction with the
device.
My teaching utilizes the mention of a device selection code
"weighted by" a particular command, such as a channel selection
value. This is a generalized term signifying practice well known in
the art of remote control, where the device selection code is a
particular data set identifying the televisor or other device by
it's maker's encoding scheme. In other words, the device selection
code is uniquely distinct for a Sony televisor as opposed to a
Toshiba televisor or a Sanyo VCR-machine. "Weighted by" means a
specific command, such as the digit "7" to select a channel is
"tagged onto" or otherwise combined with the device selection data
and the resulting combination is sent to the televisor or other
selected apparatus to instill the wirelessly sent function as an
action step in the selected apparatus. In other words, "weighted
by" infers the preestablished instruction for achieving a combining
of two unique data segments to deliver a third combined data signal
to the selected apparatus. This is well known practice and the
underlying objective is to adapt these variously known encoding
schemes to include operation with these teachings.
A REAL-WORLD PROBLEM
Only a correspondingly weighted modal code is sent for each
selected mode. For example, if the remote controller is set to the
cable box mode by having pressed the "CBL" key and a keypad entry
for channel "57" is submitted by the user, the remote control
signal sent to the remotely controlled cable box is submitted as
the code 2314 weighted by 5 followed by the code 2314 weighted by
7. As a result, only the cable box responds, setting the INPUT to
57. Nothing more normally happens in this sequence.
However, if the viewer inadvertently entered the channel change
numbers without having first pressed the "CBL" key and the remote
control was previously used in the "TV" mode, the wrong model code
value 1324 would precursor the weighting of the modal code by the
channel selection codes and the TV set would be mistakenly tuned to
channel 57, instead of remaining (or being set to) the necessitous
channel 3.
To efficiently overcome this kind of mixup is a fundamental
offering of my invention. In the preceding predicament where the TV
has been errantly tuned to channel 57 and the cable box has not
been changed, using my invention to straighten out the mess would
merely entail: 1) Pressing the "CBL" (cable mode select) key. 2)
Pressing the "5" number key. 3) Pressing the "7" number key. 4)
Pressing the novel "LINK" keybutton.
Noting further that the step 4) action could alternatively precede
the step 1) action. The LINK key may be activated any time, either
before pressing a device selection button such as CBL, or after
pressing the button. This is possible, because the LINK button
overrides whatever other device selection is current and sends the
necessary .0.3 or .0.4 channel selection encoded command
exclusively to the televisor. More importantly, pressing the LINK
button does not alter or reassign the previously established CBL
device selection.
CONCURRENT MULTIPLE DEVICE CONTROL
Even a submission of a primary command to the cable box to set the
channel selection to channel 57, for the mentioned example does not
assure correct and proper operation of the cable box in conjunction
with the TV-set. For example, if the TV-set is inadvertently set in
error to channel 6 and not the necessary channel 3, erroneous
performance ensues. Most specifically, the user selected program
channel either does not appear or else appears as the wrong program
carrying channel. This malfunction is exasperated by the
preponderance of contemporary televisors not providing ready
read-out of what channel they are truly set to. The channel
selection is usually presented as a briefly appearing on-screen
display, which unfortunately may be simply overlooked or confused
with program content. Or whatever! The immediate correction of this
malfunction is even more difficult, especially for the technically
disinclined and persons who are easily confused, such as the aged.
The usual correction consists of changing the remote controller
mode from VCR-machine to TV-SET by pressing the TV key, submitting
the key press entries 0 plus 3 (e.g., channel 03) for submission to
the TV-set. Then the remote controller must be returned to the
CABLE box mode by pressing the CBL key and the user desired channel
digits must be entered.
Since the different code combinations exist in the remote
controller, it is the underpinning novelty of my device to respond
to a user's determination for setting the incoming cable program to
channel 39 by submitting the cable box recognized command signal
2314 weighted by 3 plus 2314 weighted by 9 concurrently accompanied
by the TV-set recognized command code 1324 weighted by 0 plus 1324
weighted by 3. Being sent together enables the cable box to switch
to 39 and reasserts that the TV-set input is set to channel 03.
Bingo! The necessitous signals coupled between the cable box and
the TV-set are set to work harmoniously and bring the user his
channel choice as a viewable image.
Extend the essential novelty of my invention further and automatic
maintenance of necessitous channel settings for a VCR-machine and
the TV-set may be obtained. Using the previous example, in addition
to the mentioned encoded signals sent to the cable box and TV-set,
an encoded VCR-machine command signal of 3142 weighted by 0 plus
3142 weighted by 3 is simultaneously sent with the other two
command sendings.
Obviously my showing is extensible to more than three apparatuses,
or by inclusion of a switch for enabling or disabling the
supplementary commands. Disablement is merely mentioned as a
technique that may be used to enable a more experienced user to
exercise full uncompromised control over the inter-equipment
necessitous channel settings for whatever reason.
SENDING A SETUP SIGNAL
A best embodiment for my invention is a dedicated "keybutton"
function associated with the keypad on the remote controller that
may be intentionally actuated by the user. It is the singular
purpose for this button actuation to initiate the immediate sending
of the necessitous setup command to establish the interlink channel
settings (e.g., channel 3 or channel 4). When the user "presses"
the dedicated keybutton, an encoded signal representing the
interlinking video channel selection for at least one piece of
entertainment equipment is "sent". Usually, the encoded signal
initiated by pressing the dedicated keybutton is associated with
the TV-set. Of course this is not a specific limitation, and the
controlled device may be another apparatus other than the TV set,
such as the VCR-machine. In effect, the function of the dedicated
keybutton actuation is to assert or reassert the necessitous
channel setup command. In other words, the interlink channel setup
command may be submitted at any time and as a fully independent
step from the customary sending of the user's usual program channel
selection or other operational preference command. As a functional
step, the dedicated keybutton may be embodied as a virtual key
function step utilizing the usual device selection key already
provided on most "universal" remote controls. In other words, the
TV device selection button may be used. Through the operational
technique of maintaining the pressed state of the TV device
selection keybutton beyond a finite period of time the user's
submission of an intentionally maintained TV device selection
keybutton actuation becomes recognized as an "initiator" for the
sending of the interlink channel setup command signal to the TV
set, setting or resetting it to the necessitous channel tuning and
usually channel 3 or channel 4. Furtherance of this bimodal
functioning of the TV device selection keybutton may be provided
wherein the keybutton operates at two distinct key-press levels. An
initial press to an intermediate or partial step "level" of
actuation simply performs the usual device selection command. A
further press beyond the intermediate level step functions as a
virtual dedicated key-press function and unequivocally signifies
the user's intent to send the interlink channel setup command
signal to the TV set.
TWO OR MORE ANCILLARY DEVICES
When the televisor is used together with other devices, such as a
cable box and VCR-machine combination, my invention is still able
to considerably simplify operation for a user. In such a
combination, the cable box output is coupled to the VCR input with
a video interlink signal usually on channel 3. Similarly, the
output of the VCR-machine is coupled with the input of the
televisor, again using a video interlink signal usually set on
channel 3. As a result, it is necessary that the input of the
televisor and the VCR-machine both be maintained set on the video
interlink signal channel 3.
In my remote controller, this is obtainable in one of three
convenient ways:
METHOD I 1. Press LINK button to automatically set televisor on
channel 3. 2. Press VCR button briefly. Changes LINK button
function to VCR mode. 3. Press LINK button to automatically set VCR
on channel 3. Releasing LINK button returns LINK button function to
TV mode.
METHOD II 1. Press TV select button and HOLD DOWN for about 2
seconds to automatically set televisor on channel 3. 2. Press VCR
select button and HOLD DOWN for about 2 seconds to automatically
set VCR- machine on channel 3.
METHOD III 1. Press LINK button briefly to automatically set
televisor to channel 3. 2. Press LINK button and HOLD DOWN for
about 2 seconds to automatically set VCR-machine tuning input on
channel 3.
OBJECTIVES
An objective of my invention is to reassert adjustment of a
necessitous signal or video channel selection between a television
tuning device such as a cable box and a televisor concurrent with
each user-submitted change in incoming program channel
selection.
A key purpose for my invention is to provide a viewer with a
straightforward key function to reestablish a certainty of tuning
compatibility between the intercoupling (or interlink) signal
frequency output of a program signal tuning device, such as a
VCR-machine or cable box and the input tuner frequency setting of a
televisor or similar intercoupling signal receiving device.
A further goal is to provide the viewer with a distinctive and
preferably dedicated keypad key-press action which may command and
affirm the necessitous interlink signal channel setting or tuning
setup of the televisor used in conjunction with a cable box or
VCR-machine.
It is an important intent to provide the setting and resetting of
the TV set input tuning to the usual interlink signal video channel
3 (or 4) without entering a device selection command, such as
"TV".
It is a further intent to provide an automatic combination and
submission of the device selection codes together with channel
selection data by mere actuation of a dedicated keybutton
function.
Still another consideration afforded by my invention is to utilize
a device selection keybutton typically marked TV and used for the
selection of the TV mode may further be urged into the automatic
sending of the televisor input tuning command for setting the
televisor to the interlink signal frequency by maintaining
actuation of the TV keybutton for a longer than usual time and
typically over 2 seconds.
Yet a remaining object of my invention is to recognize the user's
prolonged pressing of the VCR selection button to exceed a preset
time interval and usually about 2 seconds thereby urging an
automatic sending of the VCR-machine input tuning command and
setting the VCR-machine input to the interlink signal
frequency.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
My invention is depicted in 19 figures shown to include:
FIG. 1--Overview of a remote controller including a LINK setup
command function used with a televisor and a cable box or other
device.
FIG. 2--Functional logic diagram for an embodiment based upon the
elements of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3--Timing diagram for sequence of events which may be
associated with the elements of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4--An embodiment for the remote controller where maintaining
the TV device select button beyond a predetermined time interval
urges sending of an interlink setup command derived from a
preceptive memory.
FIG. 5--An extension of FIG. 4 showing a sending of command signals
to a televisor and an ancillary device.
FIG. 6--A showing of maintain the key entry BAB, BAC beyond a
timing period BATB determined by a timed interval BDB encourages
the delivery of interlink setup commands BEBA,BEBB to initialize a
televisor or other device's input setting.
FIG. 7--A remote controller including a distinctive LINK keybutton
utilized for sending an interlink setup command held in a
register.
FIG. 8--A timing diagram showing where entering a single keypress
CAC and maintaining it for a period CAD in excess of a timer
established interval CBC urges a sending of a two digit channel
selection command CCBA,CCBB where the prefix value CCBA is a
.0..
FIG. 9--A timing diagram showing an entry of a device selection DAA
followed by several keybutton actions DBA,DBB,DBC each sending a
correspondent command DCA,DCB,DCC to a remotely controlled device
and further where pressing a LINK keybutton encourages the sending
of a two digit combination such as .0.3 to setup a televisor,
etc.
FIG. 10--Overview of a remote controller adapted to include a LINK
keybutton for sending an affirmative setup signal, a keypad for
entering user selections and temporarily storing them until a SEND
keybutton is operated, together with a display showing the keypad
entries submitted by the user.
FIG. 11--A timing diagram showing a device selection entry key EAA
to include two levels of activation EAB,EAC which may introduce the
sending of an affirmative setup command.
FIG. 12--A timing diagram showing the use of a device selection key
FAB to initiate sending of setup command signals FDA,FDB when the
key is maintained FAC for a period of time FBB exceeding FATA that
determined by a timer.
FIG. 13--Physical layout of a remote controller configured to
include a SEND keybutton-for sending a sequence of "just entered"
keypad entries and further configured to send a setup command
signal in response to an extended activation of a device selection
keybutton.
FIG. 14--Functional logic flow diagram showing operation of an
automatic sending of a setup command in response to a LINK
keybutton activation.
FIG. 15--An extension of the diagram of FIG. 14 including a keypad
showing a LINK keybutton used to initiate sending of a setup
command.
FIG. 16--Timing diagram showing the signal flow associated with the
logic flow diagram of FIG. 14.
FIG. 17--Timing diagram expressing the most basic aspects of the
invention.
FIG. 18--A remote controller showing a selection of an alternate
set of encoding memory selectable by a user in event of
interference between an encoded command signal and another remotely
controlled device.
FIG. 19--A receiver for a remotely control command including
alternate decoding selection to conform with the encoding submitted
by the remote controller of FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
A overview of one arrangement 1 for my invention is shown in FIG.
1. A keypad 10-1, which is ordinarily accessible to a viewer or
user of the remote control, couples 12 with the input of an encoder
14. It is the role of the encoder to utilize data retrieved from a
command memory 16 to: 1. Establish the encoding pattern which may
be recognized by a specific controlled device such as a televisor
30 or cable box 32 selected by having pressed one of the keypad
10-2 buttons (e.g., TV or CBL); 2. Define specific instruction
patterns on the encoding pattern to translate an entry, such as a
channel selection digit, made through the keypad by the viewer into
an interpretable instruction command when received by the remotely
controlled cable box 32.
The command memory 16 is ordinarily pre-loaded, typically by a
maker of the remote controller, to include encoding patterns
specific to any number of televisors, VCR-machines, cable boxes,
satellite receivers and other apparatus.
The encoded, instruction laden command is coupled 18 with the
"remote controller" 20 which is a modulatable wireless signal. For
example, the remote controller may be a source of high frequency
signal (for example, 38-kilohertz) which is modulated with the
encoded command to deliver a wireless signal 22 typically from an
infrared light emitting diode or quasi-laser diode. The resulting
wireless beam produces two signal bursts 24-1, 24-2 which are
wirelessly translated 26-1, 26-2 to and receptive by corresponding
input ports 28-1, 28-2 of the televisor 30 and the cable box 32. By
way of example, if the user enters a channel command selection
sequence 2 and 3 (viz, "23") into the keypad and it is designated
to control the cable box, the encoded signal 24-2 embodies the data
for particularly setting the cable box 32 to channel "23".
In accord with usual practice, a program source such as a cable
provider, etc. 36 delivers signals 38 to an input of the cable box
32. By setting the cable box on the mentioned channel "23", the
incoming program represented by channel "23" is converted into an
interlink signal an delivered on a coaxial cable 34 or similar
connection. Typically the interlink signal is delivered on channel
"3" or channel "4", as pre-determined by the user typically by a
setting of a slide switch or the like on the backside of the cable
box device.
The term interlink signal as henceforth mentioned refers to a
signal translation between a first device such as the cable box 32
(or a VCR-machine, etc.) and a second device, such as the televisor
30. In its usual form, the interlink signal is connected via the
coaxial cable 34 between the two devices. A radio frequency carrier
comprising an intercoupled video signal centered usually on channel
3 or channel 4 and modulated with the selected channel "23" is
conveyed from the cable box 32 to the televisor 30. Throughout this
teaching, the term video signal more generally includes to this
combination of carrier and intercoupled video signal, as well as
where the demodulated video signal is translated between the
devices.
This previous overview brings forth an operational issue which my
invention addresses. I provide a dedicated LINK keybutton 10-3
which delivers an actuation signal 40 to the input of an encoder
42. This encoder function, which obviously may be inclusively
incorporated with the encoder 14, utilizes data stored in a
preceptive memory 44. The role of the encoder 42 is to construct a
dedicate instruction signal on data line 46 which develops the
signal component 24-1 translated 26-1 to the televisor 30 remote
control input port 28-1. The constructed command signal on the data
line 46 comprises three essential components. First, the encoding
data format is recognizable by the televisor input port 28-1.
Nextly, the encoded data format is modulated with two channel
selection digits. Since the usual interlink signal 34 coupled
between the apparatus is carried on channel 3, the necessary
channel selection digits are "3" preceded by a zero (e.g, ".0.3").
The overall result of this FIG. 1 representation is that a user may
pick a program 38 selected through the cable box 32 by entering
digits on the keypad 10-1 and also may assure that the interlink
coupling between the cable box 32 and televisor 30 is compatibly
set on channel 3 by pressing the LINK keybutton 10-3 which
automatically reaffirms the televisor tuning to channel 3.
With FIG. 2 I depict a logical representation of signal handling
for one possible embodiment for my invention. Clearly realize that
this is not alone the sole embodiment for my invention, but merely
one particular example from many possibilities for practicing my
invention which a clever engineer or skilled artisan may devise.
Nor should this or any of the other representations included in
this discussion serve to dilute the fundamental novelty of my
invention as later claimed.
A user typically submits keypad entries 40 which may be displayed
42 for convenience in verifying the entry value. An immediate
entry, usually comprising more than one individual keypad entry,
appears on line 44-1 and couples with a decisor function 46 (e.g.,
a function capable of making a logical decision) which recognizes a
presence of the entry. The keypad entry referred to in this
arrangement are ordinarily directed to "channel selection" in a
controlled device. In any event, in the presence of an entry
sequence a "yes" signal appears on line 50-1, otherwise a "no"
signal appears on line 48 which feeds back to the keypad 40. The
signal on line 50-1 is again looked at by the decision function 52
and if two digits comprise the entry signal on line 50-1, a "yes"
signal results on line 60.
In event the entry signal on line 50-1 is a singular digit, a "no"
signal on line 54 initiates the "add .0. prefix" function 56 serves
to prefix the incoming single digit on line 50-1 with a ".0."
resulting in a "two digit" combination which satisfies the logic of
the decisor function 52 providing a "yes" signal on the line
60.
The keypad entries 40 may be prefixed by a device selection entry,
delivering a signal on line 44-2. Device entries are normally
filtered from acting on the decisor 46, but rather routed to a
device selection function 62. Most particularly, if the device
selections include TV and CBL (for the televisor and cable box),
the device selection function 62 recognizes and determines which
mode is presently functional relative with subsequential keypad
entries 40.
When a televisor and a cable box are used together, linked together
by an intermediate video signal usually set on channel 3 or channel
4, it is the cable box into which "channel changes" are desirously
entered by a televisor viewer. Meanwhile, the televisor is
maintained set to the intermediate video signal channel. For
purpose of this depiction, "device-1" is the cable box.
Following this typical condition, the device selection function 62
ordinarily delivers a signal on line 64-1 which enables the
"device-1 encoder" 66. The device-1 encoder includes two inputs as
shown. Line 50-2 supports functional changes, such as fine tuning,
volume up/down (if available through the cable box), power on/off
and so forth. Similarly, the line 60 describes the channel changes,
such as promoting a change from channel 47 to channel 23, for
example. It is the purpose of the device encoder to create a
specific cryptic code pattern on line 68 which is unique to the
cable box, including the specific make and model of the cable box.
Usually this information is provided by the remote controller maker
and for purpose of my invention, is held in a local ROM or RAM
(memory, not shown), in accord with well known practice. The
specific device encoded (e.g., "device-1 encoded") command signal
on line 68 is nextly utilized by the "wireless signal sender" 74
which essentially develops a carrier signal (often about
38-kilohertz), modulates the carrier signal with the command signal
delivered on line 68, and subsequently drives a wireless signal
producing device, such as an infrared light emitting diode or the
like. The result is a "wireless signal command" 76 delivered to a
distal remotely controlled device, such as the cable box or
televisor.
The utter essence of this invention is to assure the viewer (user)
utilizing a televisor in combination with another device such as
the cable box or VCR-machine, that the intercoupling intermediate
video signal is set properly. This mostly means that the
televisor's input tuning is maintained on the necessitous channel.
The cable box or VCR-machine output is usually semi-fixed,
predetermined typically by a slide switch on the device's rear
panel to deliver the interlink signal on one of channel 3 or 4 in
most cases.
To embody this desirable improvement in a remote controller
conforming with my invention's teachings may include a separate or
at least distinctly operable "link key button" 80. When this button
80 is pressed by the user, a signal delivers on line 82-1 which is
recognized by the "link send" decisor 84, delivering a yes signal
on line 88-1. In absence of the button 80 entry, the decisor 84
alternatively delivers a no signal on line 86 which in effect loops
through the link key button 80 to repeatedly "scan" the button for
activity. This is a well known practice in keypad and keyboard
design.
If a key activation is acknowledged by the link send decisor 84 by
presence of the yes signal on line 88-1, the "link value 3 or 4"
function is enabled. In effect this establishes an output on line
96 of a "channel 3" or "channel 4" selection as a virtual channel
change command, with the value being determined by the "preset link
value 3 or 4" function 92, which may be embodied as the earlier
mentioned rear panel switch. As a result, the signal on line 96 may
be simply a data value representing a "3" or a "4", coupling
therefrom with the input of the "two digits?" decisor 52. As a
result the singular value "3" or "4" is automatically prefixed with
a leading .0. as needed for effecting the channel change in the
remotely controlled televisor, or other device.
Note further that the link keybutton activation signal on line 82-1
further couples 82-2 with an input of the "device selection"
function 62, which in this case delivers a signal on line 64-2 to
enable the "device-2 encoder" 70 which is preset to relate to the
remotely controlled televisor. The result is an encoded command
signal on line 72, for example a channel change command .0."3",
which is sent via the wireless signal sender 74 to the distal
remotely controlled televisor.
Looking back on FIG. 2, it becomes quite clear that a user may
utilize the keypad 40 to select either of the controlled devices
(device 1 or device 2) and submit channel change and other commands
to one or the other of the selected devices. Furthermore, it is
most notably clear that the link. key button 80 may be engaged by
the user to deliver an absolute channel selection signal submission
to the remotely controlled televisor, to assure its tuning being
affirmed as set on channel 3 or (channel 4) as needed for effectual
interlink coupling of the intermediate video signal to be
established between the cable box and the televisor, for
example.
A graphical showing of the events typically representing my
invention's deployment are shown in FIG. 3. A pressing of the LINK
keybutton by a user is depicted on line AA as signal event AAA.
Several events result with the LINK keybutton activation. Firstly,
a link signal event shown on line AB as signal ABA defines a link
command window during which time the preceding device selection ACA
on line AC is changed to the link subject device (e.g., usually the
televisor) during the period ACB, whereafter it is returned to the
previous device selection ACC.
During a occurrence of the link event signal ABA, two necessitous
channel selection command signals are sent, usually to the
televisor. The pattern on line AE depicts as an interlink channel
digit and usually a "3" or a "4" being sent AEB, preceded by a
".0." precursor AEA.
Additionally this FIG. 3 shows the viewer's optional entry of a
channel selection keypad activity on line AD typified by, let's
say, a digit "2" ADA preceded (in time) by a digit "7" ADB. The
result is a sending of a "2" AFA preceded by a "7" AFB on line AF
which represents the wireless signal sent to, for example, the
cable box as determined by the selection state of signal ACC.
Looking now at FIG. 4 one finds a keypad 100-1 including at least
ten keybutton entry selections. This may be called the user's
keypad port, for submitting numerical and other data into the
remote controller. Additionally, a keypad extension 100-2 includes
a cable selection CBL keybutton 102-2 and televisor selection TV
keybutton 102-3.
When a user intentionally urges one of the keybuttons 102-1 to
accept an entry, a signal corresponding to the keypress selection
submits a data bearing signal 104 to the input of a keypad
processor 110-1.
Similarly, by pressing one of the device selection keybuttons
102-2, 102-3 a corresponding signal is developed on line 106-1 or
106-2 which arrives at the input of a keypad processor 110-2. For
example, urging an entry through the keybutton 102-2 port
establishes a signal on line 106-1 which is conditioned by the
keypad processor into a selection signal on line 112-1 that couples
with an input of an encoder 120. The result of this sequence is to
enable the encoder to select and read data from the preceptive
memory 124 via data and address lines 126 which set the encoder
data processing logic specifically to deliver an encoded signal on
line 128 which is translated by a modulator's 130 coupling 132 with
a sender 140 to develop a uniquely encoded wireless signal
ordinarily maintained for exclusive recognition by a remotely
controlled cable box.
My invention's essence is more precisely expressed through the
pressing of the televisor selection keybutton 102-3, resulting in a
signal on line 106-2 which is conditioned through the keypad
processor 110-2 delivering a televisor selection command signal on
line 112-2. A window detector 114 intervenes this signal line,
whereby the window detector is coupled with a timer 116. The timer
commences a predetermined timing interval upon initial activation
of the keybutton 102-3 as recognized by the onset of the selection
command signal on line 112-3 as extended from line 112-2. The timer
signal on line 117 defines at least two states for the window
detector 114. During the initial state and if the keybutton 102-3
is released before the timer 116 " times-out", the selection signal
on line 119 merely "selects" the televisor as the object of command
response for entries manually injected through the keypad port
102-1 keybutton activity by the user. In other words, the encoded
signal delivered from the encoder 120 and ultimately extended as a
wireless signal by the sender 140 serves to merely allow manual
channel selection or other changes to the remotely controlled
televisor, as submitted by the various keybutton 102-1 entries by
the user.
On the other hand, if the televisor TV keybutton 102-3 is
maintained in an operated state beyond the timeout period
determined by the interval timer 116, the signal state on line 117
changes to deliver a modified or alternative signal on line 118.
The data borne by this alternative signal on line 118 establishes
the encoder 120 to retrieve predetermined channel selection values
from the preceptive memory 124 and submit them via line 128 to the
wireless sender 140 to instruct the televisor to tune to a preset
channel and usually one of channel 3 or channel 4 as necessary to
obtain the interlink coupling between the cable box output and the
televisor input.
Recognize that under the teaching of my invention, it is the
maintained state of a user's pressing the TV keybutton 102-3 that
the intermediate video channel selection setup signal is sent to
the televisor to affirm or reaffirm its immediate and absolute
setup on the necessitous interlink signal channel. In this mode, I
say that the TV selection keybutton 102-3 becomes a virtual
dedicated keybutton useful for re-establishing the interlink setup
conditions without a need for fumbling with the keypad 102-1.
In FIG. 5 I offer extension of the preceding teaching of FIG. 4, to
include the sender 140 receiving the modulator signal on line 132
and to deliver 144 a wireless signal 150. Observe that the wireless
signal 150 may include at least two command signals. One set of
command signals is linked 154 with a wireless receptor 156 input of
an ancillary device and most likely the mentioned cable box. As a
result, to select channel "27" for example, the wireless signal is
modulated with a "2" signal 152-1 followed by a "7" signal 152-2.
This wireless sequence determines the input of the cable box to be
set to channel "27", resulting in the program source 160 coupling
channel 27 program signals over line 162 which are received by the
cable box 158. The cable box output is preset to an intermediate
video signal channel, for example channel "3" intercoupled 178 with
the televisor 176 input.
When the TV selection button 102-3 of FIG. 4 is maintained as
activated for a sufficiently long period of time to produce the
interlink setup command signal, the channel selection digit values
".0." 170-1 followed by a "3" 170-2 are delivered 172 in a
recognizable sequence to the remote control receptor port 174 of
the televisor, thereby setting or resetting the televisor input to
channel 3 to assure tuning compatibility with the channel 3
interlink signal delivered by the cable box on the interlink line
178.
With FIG. 6 the general operation of the configuration depicted in
FIG. 4 is shown relative with timing of various event signals. The
device select TV keybutton is shown on line BA as signals BAA and
BAB, whereby the keypress BAB is maintained for an additional
duration BAC.
When the keybutton BAA is pressed, the televisor is selected BCA
and a timer 116 is initiated for a fixed period BDA. Recognize that
the keypress BAA is maintained for a shorter period of time than
the timing period BDA, as depicted by the extended broken line BATA
reaching between BAA and BDA.
Once the televisor device selection BCA is obtained, additional
keypad entries BBA, BBB may be submitted by the user which are
encoded as command signals BEAA, BEAB translated to the televisor
or some other apparatus allowing the user to manually determine
channel selection or other operational functions.
When the device entry keybutton BAB is maintained through the
period expressed by BAC it is shown that the maintained time period
depicted by the extended broken line BATB exceeds the duration of
the timer interval BDB. Observe further that the time periods BDA
and BDB are substantially similar in duration and that the period
BDA commences with the initiation of the keypad entry BAA whilst
the time period commences with the initiation of the
longer-maintained keypad entry BAB-BAC. As a result of exceeding
the time duration of time interval BDB as defined by the broken
line RATB, the necessitous channel command signal is sent to the
televisor and includes a "3" BEBB preceded by a ".0." BEBA.
Looking further to FIG. 7 one finds a keypad 180 including a set of
keybuttons 182-1 configured as individual entry ports for
submitting the user's preference of channel selection or other
functions into the remote controller for subsequent translation to
a remotely controlled device, such as a televisor, cable box,
VCR-machine and satellite receiver. Pressing a selection of
keybuttons 182-1 delivers a keybutton weight data signal 186 to a
keypad processor 188. In the context of this invention, the weight
of a signal means the essence of the signals value. For example, a
digit value of "2" entered by a keybutton will have a distinctly
different binary value or analog magnitude than a digit value of,
say "5". The term weight is used to differentiate between the value
representations as a virtual value having meaning to the processing
circuitry comprising the remote controller and the remotely
controlled device.
In any event, the keypress entry submitted to the keypad processor
188 delivers a corresponding signal on the data bus 190 to an input
of an encoder-1194, which is further enabled by a signal on 192
indicative of a fresh keybutton entry. The encoder-1 delivers a
signal on line 196 representing the keybutton entered values. The
result is the signal on line 196 is impressed on the sender, which
develops a wireless driver signal at its output which excites a
wireless sending element 200 and includes a compound encoding
signature uniquely recognizable by a single one of usually several
associated remotely controlled devices located in operational
proximity of one another.
In the application where a cable box receives incoming program
content and delivers that content as a converted signal usually
appearing on one of channel 3 or channel 4, subsequently coupled
with the input of the televisor it becomes essential that the
televisor be compatibly tuned to the same channel as delivered from
the cable box. To achieve this essential compatibility requires
that the viewer tune and occasionally retune the televisor to the
intermediate video signal channel 3 or channel 4.
In FIG. 7 I show a separate LINK keybutton 184 which may be pressed
by the user, delivering a signal on line 202 to a preset register
204. The preset register (perhaps a pre-weighted serial shift
register) or memory is pre-loaded with data equivalent to pressing
the number keybuttons .0. and 3, or else .0. and 4 in rapid-fire
sequence. The resulting channel selection digit values appear on
the data bus line 206 coupled with an encoder-2210. The encoder-2
may be differently encoded than the encoder-1194, being preset so
that the encoding algorithm encoder 210 is suitable for recognition
by the televisor, while the encoding algorithm of encoder 194 may
be attuned to a different ancillary device, such as the cable box
or the VCR-machine elsewhere mentioned. In any event, the encoder
210 activated by an enablement signal routed on line 208 submits
the fixed channel selection sequence (perhaps 03) to an input of
the sender 198 for developing wireless excitation and translation
of the command signal to the remotely controlled televisor.
With FIG. 8 I further show operation of my invention where
succession of two keypress entries CAA, CAB depicting the channel
selection values: CAA=7, CAB=2 are submitted as shown on line CA.
Coincidental with each keybutton action CAA, CAB a corresponding
timer measured interval CBA,CBB shown on line CB is started. Note
that the keybutton closures CAA,CAB are briefer than the time
intervals CBA, CBB which are typically on the order of one to ten
seconds duration, more or less. As a matter of fact, I have found
about 1,500 milliseconds quite acceptable. Upon release of the
keybutton actions CAA, CAB a channel selection signal is sent on
line CC as command signals CCAA, CCAB where: CCAA=2 and CCAB=7,
resulting in a channel 27 selection.
Since the importance of maintaining the televisor tuned to the same
channel as the intermediate video signal delivered from the output
of the cable box or VCR-machine is well known, I show the inclusion
of a LINK keybutton action CDA on line CD. When the LINK keybutton
is enabled CDA, a succession of channel change command digits CEA,
CEB are sent to the televisor, where: CEA=.0. and CEB=3 resulting
in a sending of .0.3 and an affirming the televisor tuner setting
to channel 3.
Often a viewer may want to set the cable box to a "single digit"
channel to receive programs of various sorts. This includes any
channel between 2 and 9. Ordinarily, to send such channel changes,
the remote controller needs to have the value .0. prefixed to the
single digit channel. Hence, channel 5=.0.5, channel 7=.0.7 and so
forth. Aside from being a nuisance to do, it is not unusual for a
viewer to simply forget. As a result of realizing this annoyance,
my invention includes a provision depicted in FIG. 8 where pressing
the single digit keybutton (such as keybutton "8") CAC and holding
it down CAC+CAD for an interval of time in excess of the time
period CBC measured by the timer results in an automatically
inserted leading .0. prefixing the selected prime entry value 8
CAC, resulting in the channel selection value .0. CCBA preceded by
a leading 3 CCBB on line CC. In effect, the singular prime digit
channel selection entry becomes self-completing by merely holding
the single digit keybutton down for a moment or so (typically about
11/2 seconds or more). This becomes much easier to accomplish (and
remember to do) than the heretofore necessitous pressing of the .0.
keybutton before entering the prime digit, such as 8.
With FIG. 9 I show a selection of a cable box CBL on line DA as
signal DAA. This makes selection of the cable box as the object for
control by the remote controller. Realize now that what I call the
cable box selection on line DA could just as well be any other
device, a VCR-machine, a DVR-machine, a DVD-player, a satellite
receiver or whatever. The invention's essence remains the same. As
I further show, several key entries are submitted on line DB. I
first show a POWER ON/OFF function command DBA (realizing that in
most remotely controlled devices, power is a toggle function. One
click ON, one click OFF). I further show two channel selection
digit prime number entries DBB, DBC such as DBB=2 and DBC=7
representing channel 27.
In measured response to each of these keybutton entries, a
resulting encoded wireless signal is delivered as shown on line DC.
The representations DCA-DCB-DCC correspond with the keypad sequence
PWR and 2 and 7 as entry submissions to the presently selected
remotely controlled device (e.g., cable box, etc.).
I also depict in FIG. 9 the actuation of a LINK keybutton, similar
to the LINK keybutton of earlier FIG. 1 or FIG. 7, which delivers a
signal DDA on line DD. This action introduces a succession of two
encoded signals DEA, DEB specifically sent to the televisor.
Ordinarily, the link signal includes a prime digit 3 or 4 DEB
preceded by a leading .0. DEA.
Advancing to FIG. 10 I represent a handheld remote controller 220
to include a multi-key entry keypad 222 by which a user (viewer)
may inject entries introduced by finger actuation. I also depict
the remote controller to include, or at least optionally include, a
"digital display" 224 which shows the numerical entries made by the
user. I further show the remote controller to include a SEND
keybutton and a LINK keybutton, each of which will be functionally
discussed.
An essential function of my invention is to "normalize" the
interlink coupling between a televisor and an ancillary device,
such as the oft-mentioned cable box or VCR-machine. In this FIG. 10
I show a LINK keybutton 230 which may couple 232 with a preset
register 234. By definition, the preset register is in fact
"preset" by design, by download or by other means to provide the
channel selection data necessary to set the televisor tuner to the
necessary channel tuning selection, and usually one of channel 3 or
channel 4, to attain the interlink coupling compatibility. As a
result, the LINK keybutton action encourages the preset register
234 to deliver a predetermined channel selection data signal over
the data bus 236 to an input of an encoder-2280. The LINK keypress
induced signal also urges an ENable signal on line 238 to the
encoder-2280. The result of this preceding activity is to send a
channel selection command, such as .0.3 or .0.4 to the remotely
controlled televisor. This command is configured through the
encoder-2280 and submitted to the sender 290 for excitation of a
wireless coupling device (e.g., an infrared light emitting diode,
etc.) 292 affixed to the head-end of the remote controller 294.
As shown, the keypad 222 delivers signals over a keypad bus 226 to
a keypad processor 240. As is well known practice, the keypad may
be scanned by the keypad processor and if scanning is utilized, the
data riding on the data bus 226 represents the scanning signal data
uniquely representing keypad activity.
STORE AND SEND MODE
I borrow from my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,239 to advise the
advantageous operation afforded by including a capacity for storing
up a sequence of two or three "channel number digits", such as "4"
and "9" in a register, whereafter the register is dumped to deliver
the stored digits as a rapid fire succession of "4" and "9" in one
command signal burst sequence so as to convey the command which
tunes the remotely controlled device to channel "49". This "store
and send" mode is included in this teaching merely to express its
advantage as an adjunct to the present teaching's fundamental
objectives found in the intentionally expressive sending of a
set-up or affirming command signal to a specific device such as a
televisor to assure interlink compatibility between two or more
interlinked devices used in conjunction with one another.
The keypad processor delivers key-entry selected data on bus 242 to
the input (data input or write input) of a storage device 260. This
is the "store" mode. In its simplest form, the storage device 260
may be embodied as a FIFO shift register, or as an addressable RAM
(memory) device. Such a memory arrangement is sometimes called a
scratchpad memory, due to it's use as a temporary storage medium.
As shown the keypad processor also includes an UP and a DOWN output
241-1,241-2 that couples with the storage control function 250. The
UP and DOWN signals control the storage of the keypad processor
output data in the storage device 260. The important consideration
is that the key-entry selected data is temporarily stored with
sufficient space to accommodate several bytes or words of data.
The storage device 260 may also include a data output line 264
which provides display data to a display driver 266. The display
driver's output bus 268 couples with the digital display 224,
whereupon it shows the values entered by the user's keypad 222
activity. As a result, the key entries may be reviewed for
accuracy.
Upon the completion of an entry sequence for, for example, a
channel selection, the user may orientate the remote controller for
effective wireless coupling with the remotely controlled device,
whereupon the SEND keybutton 228 may be pressed. This is the "send"
mode.
The SEND keybutton 228 action submits a signal 229 to an input of a
send control function 244. The send control 244 delivers an output
246-1 to the storage control function 250 which urges it to address
and read the temporarily stored user submitted channel selection
from the storage memory 260. Realize that the storage 260 may
include any manner of memory or shift register schemes providing
temporal "scratchpad" storage and selected as a matter of
conventional engineering design preference or choice, with
equivalent end results. Minor adjustments to the hookup of the
elements shall have no bearing whatsoever upon the novelty of this
invention's offering.
In effect pressing the SEND keybutton initiates an immediate
uninterrupted sending of a sequence of commands representing the
setting or resetting the selected device, for example the cable
box, to the user's choice of channels. The read-out, stored data
digits are ordinarily ushered over the data line 262 coupled with
an encoder-1270 and thence coupled 272 to the sender 290 for
transmission 292 to the selected device. In other words, if the
user pressed the keys CBL, 5 and 9 the command sequence would
select the cable box and send a channel selection command of 59 in
a rapid fire succession.
Moving on to FIG. 11, I show a device selection keypress EAA on
line EA. For example, this might be the cable box selection CBL key
as depicted earlier in FIG. 1 or a VCR-machine selection key, etc.
The action results in the device selection signal ERA for the cable
box on line EB, whereafter the user may submit keypad entries ECA,
ECB on line EC for his/her program channel preference. For example,
if channel 46 is desired, the entry ECA=4 while the entry ECB=6.
The result is a wireless signal encoded for recognition by the
cable box on line ED where EDAA-4 and EDAB=6.
When the cable box device selection key CBL is pressed EAB and
further pressed beyond a yield point EAC, the CBL device selection
signal EBB is obtained, but more importantly, a channel setup
command is initiated. What this means is that, referring to line
ED, two channel selection commands are directed to the televisor to
affirm that it is in fact set on the necessitous channel selection
and usually 3 or 4. This results when the wireless components
EDBA=.0. and EDBB=3 (or EDBB=4), with their encoding set to match
the remotely controlled televisor's decoding requirements.
What I say by FIG. 11 is that a key may be equipped with a normal
actuation level and an extended actuation mode (e.g., a
normal-press and a hard-press). The normal actuation mode suffices
to enable the key's function as normally intended for channel
selection, device selection or whatever other function may be
sought. On the other hand, extended actuation or pressing beyond a
point where considerable resistance is met for the normal actuation
level, delivers a signaling command which acts like a virtual SEND
command entry by the user and reaffirms the setting of the
televisor (or other designated device) to a necessitous state, such
as the mentioned specific channel tuning setup.
With FIG. 12 my invention is shown to include a televisor TV select
keybutton FAA or cable box CBL select keybutton FAB entry on line
FA. You will find that on line FB I show a timer controlled time
interval FBA which commences with the actuation of the keybutton
associated with signal state FAA, and an interval FBB commencing
coincident with the selection state FAB. The result of pressing FAA
is to deliver a device select signal FCA on line FC which sets the
encoding mode of the associated remote controller, essentially to
be compatible with the selected device's decoder. Understand that
the device selection states FAA, FAB as now described may also
associate with various ancillary devices, as well as the televisor.
This determination is merely an application specific engineering
decision.
When the device selection key associated with signal FAB is
maintained beyond the time interval FBB, the keypress is recognized
as an intentionally submitted virtual SEND command to send the
televisor (or other predesignated device) an interlink channel
setup command. In other words, when the keypress signal FAB exceeds
FAC the timer signal FBB duration, not only is a device selection
signal FCB produced, which selects whatever devices is determined
by the keybutton associated with signal FAB, but also a signal is
developed which temporarily overrides the selection. This virtual
SEND command signal sequence is ordinarily directed to the
televisor as encoded channel selection signals FDA=.0. and FDB=3
resulting in the televisor (or whatever) being affirmed as set on
channel 3.
A generic layout illustrative of a universal remote controller 300
appears in FIG. 13. Many forms of universal remote controllers
exist, with widely varying keypad layouts. This is merely a
representative example of a rather minimal layout, showing its
association with my invention. A keypad including at least ten
numeric entry keys 302 is provided, usually for channel selection
and setup code value entries. A TV keybutton 304 serves to select a
televisor device, while a CBL keybutton 306 is used to select a
cable box. A SEND keybutton 308 is included for sending channel
selection keybutton entries, stored locally in a scratchpad memory,
and sent as a rapid-fire series when the SEND button is pressed.
The keypad may also include ancillary key functions such as MUTE
310-1 and MENU 310-2. Additionally, a PWR (power on/off) keybutton
314 is shown. Wireless coupling is attained using an infrared
L.E.D. 316 and a confirmation of the wireless transmission may be
confirmed by a visible L.E.D. 318.
A signal flow chart for one explanatory embodiment for my invention
next appears in FIG. 14. A number of keypad entries may be
submitted by the user, including:
KC = CBL (cable box) Keybutton Entry KKP = Keypad 0-9 "numerical
digit" entries KL = LINK Keybutton Entry KTV = TV (televisor)
Keybutton Entry KX = VCR (VCR-machine or auxillary) device
In the usual embodiment of my invention a keypress entry KL submits
to the press link function function 320, resulting in signal on
line 302, coupled with a "link button pressed?" decisor 310. In
event the link button has been decisively pressed, a yes signal
appears on line 312 and otherwise a NO signal appears on line 314
as looped back to the press link button function 320 (effectively
scanning the keybutton state associated with the press link button
320). The resulting signal on line 312 serves to enable the "read
.0." function 320 to retrieve data 327 representing the value ".0."
channel selection precursor stored in the preceptive memory 325 and
deliver it on line 322 to the ".0. read?" decisor 330. The decisor
delivers a YES signal on line 332 when the .0. value is read,
otherwise looping back on the NO line 334 awaiting the read
value.
The YES signal on line 332 including the read .0. value couples
with the "read 3" function 340 which similarly retrieves 334 a data
value for the channel 3 selection from the preceptive memory 325.
An output line 344 originates from the function 340 which couples
with the "3 read?" decisor 370. A YES signal couples with a sender
380 while a NO signal loops back 374 to the "read 3" function 349.
Signals on line 324, 342 submit to AND function 350, together with
a NO signal on line 364 delivered by the "complete?" decisor 360.
When all three states satisfy the logic of device 350 a signal
results on line 352 coupled with the sender 380 and the decisor
360. This confirmation enables the sender 380 to send a wireless
command 382 to the remotely controlled apparatus.
Looking now, if the link keybutton KL is absent activity the signal
on line 366 may couple through the AND function 368 and communicate
individual keypad entries KKP to the sender 380 for transmission
382.
A TV device select keybutton entry KTV delivered to the "press TV
button" function results in a signal on line 392-1 coupled with the
decisor 394-1, resulting in a signal on line 396-1 coupled to the
set input of latch 400-1 and the reset input of latch 400-2.
Similarly cable device CBL select keybutton entry KC delivered to
the "press cable button" function results in a signal on line 392-2
coupled with the decisor 394-2, resulting in a signal on line 396-2
coupled to the reset input of latch 400-1 and the set input of
latch 400-2.
An initial state for both latches 400-1,400-2 is where Q=untrue
and/Q=true. A set input on line 396-1 denoting a keypress signal at
port KTV establishes the line 402-1 Q=true while line 404-2 is held
true and line 364 is untrue, albeit inverted as a true state at the
input of the AND logic function 410-1. The result is a true state
on line 412-1 urging the TV mode encoder 420-1 to deliver a signal
through the OR function 424 with an input of the sender,
establishing the sender's operating mode for encoding signals sent
to the remotely controlled televisor.
Alternatively a set input on line 396-2 denoting a keypress signal
at port KC establishes the line 402-2 Q=true while line 404-1 is
held untrue and line 364, as mentioned is untrue but inverted at
the input of the AND logic function 410-1. The result is a true
state on line 412-2 urging the CBL mode encoder 420-2 to deliver a
signal through the OR function 424 with the input of the sender,
establishing the sender's operating mode for encoding signals sent
to the remotely cable box.
FIG. 15 is a showing of a remote controller 430 embodiment usable
with FIG. 14. A keypad 432 offers a user opportunity for submitting
any of a number of keypress activated entries, including ten
numerical values .0.-9, etc. Additionally, I show three device
selection keys 434-1,434-2,434-3 and a LINK (or SEND) key 436. As
shown, the keypad 432 entries deploy signals over bus 442 with a
keypad processor 440. As is well known practice, the keypad
processor may scan the individual keys which may be arranged in an
electrical matrix. In any event, kepresses may result in a weighted
signal on line KKP' that couples with the corresponding input KKP
of FIG. 14.
Likewise a pressing of one of the device selection keys
434-1,434-2,434-3 results in a correspondent signal on line 454
which spreads 456-1,456-2 between the keypad processor televisor
selector and "other device X" selection as ushered forth from
corresponding ports KTV' and KX', coupled with the inputs port KTV
and KX of FIG. 14.
Similarly a user actuation (finger press) of the LINK keybutton 436
results in a signal on line 452 which couples through the keypad
processor 450 with the port KL', delivering a LINK (or SEND)
actuation signal to the input KL of FIG. 14. The overall result is
that the wireless emitter 382 translates an infrared coupling beam
from an L.E.D. 460, in accord with well known practice.
The essence of my invention's diversity is expressed in FIG. 16. I
show on lines GA,GB and GC three possible device selections, say
representing keys 434-1,434-2 and 434-3 of FIG. 15. Pressing the TV
key 434-1 delivers a signal GAA on line GA which enables the TV
device selection mode GDA on line GD. As a result, the viewer/user
may key-in two or more keypad entries GGAA,GGAB on line GG through
the keypad 432, wherein the entries are temporarily stored in a
scratchpad memory or register.
Pressing the LINK button 436 results in a signal GHA on line GH
that enables the remote controller's circuitry to urge sending of
the temporarily stored instructions GGAA,GGAB as encoded signals
GIAA,GIAB shown on line GI to the selected device and in this case,
the televisor.
In a different selection, a pressing of the CBL key 434-2 delivers
a signal GRA on line GB which enables the cable box device
selection mode GEA to be entered on line GE. As a result, the
viewer/user may key-in two or more keypad entries GGBA,GGBB on line
GG through the keypad 432, wherein the entries are temporarily
stored in a scratchpad memory or register.
Pressing the LINK button 436 results in a signal GHA on line GH
that enables the remote controller's circuitry to urge sending of
the temporarily stored instructions GGBA,GGBB as encoded signals
GJAA,GJAB shown on line GJ to the selected device and in this case,
the televisor.
Pressing the VCR key 434-3 delivers a signal GCA on line GC which
enables the VCR-machine selection mode GFA on line GF. As a result,
the viewer/user may key-in two or more keypad entries
GGCA,GGCB,GGCC on line GG through the keypad 432 or otherwise,
wherein the entries are temporarily stored in a scratchpad memory
or held in a register.
Pressing the LINK button 436 results in a signal GHA on line GH
that enables the remote controller's circuitry to urge sending of
the temporarily stored instructions GGCA,GGCB,GGCC as encoded
signals GKAA,GKAB,GKAC to the selected device and in this case, the
VCR-machine.
Albeit somewhat of a reiteration of my present invention, FIG. 17
depicts a most basic user urged utilization for my invention. On
line HA a user may select a device HAA, for example a cable box.
The user may then make three keypad entries shown on line HB as
"power" HBA, a first digit HBB and a second digit HBC. For example,
if the user wants to tune the cable box to channel 26, the entered
digits are HBB=2 and HBC=6. On line HC I show the result of the
keypad entries depicted on line HB as a sending of the power
command HCA, the channel selection digits HCB=2 and HCC=6.
A further showing is the user pressing the LINK button, shown on
line HD as entry HDA. This action brings about the automatic
sending of an interlink initialization channel selection signal to
the televisor, shown on line HE as HEA=.0. and HEB=3 for selection
of channel .0.3 by the televisor's tuner.
With the advent of a commonplace practice for using a multitude of
remotely controlled devices in immediate proximity of one-another,
an issue of interference between commands sent to one device
causing malfunction or misinterpretation in another device. For
example, channel change commands sent to a VCR machine may cause
erroneous changes in the setting of a televisor or cable box. This
kind of cross-instruction interference is brought about by having a
multitude of equipment each of which responds to many command
encoded instructions. All that is needed is for a similarity to
occur between the command sent to a first device and an
interpretation (and not a rejection) of that same code intercepted
by a second device. Bingo! An error command occurs. Sometimes this
kind of command cross-talk is merely inconvenient but tolerable,
under other circumstances it causes such substantial error that the
devices become inoperative when used proximally.
In FIG. 18 I show a remote controller 460 including a keypad 462
which submits key entries on a data bus 464 to a keypad encoder
470. What I more importantly show in this FIG. 18 is the inclusion
of an ALPHA code memory 472-1 and a BETA code memory 472-2. In
effect the ALPHA memory and the BETA memory store a distinctly
separate set of encoding data for use by the keypad encoder. The
memory data delivered by each memory on bus connections 474-1,474-2
is "switched between" by a user actuatable (and usually hidden)
setup switch 476. Typically this switch 476 may be a small
limited-access "slide switch" located in the battery compartment of
the remote controller 460. As a result either one or the other sets
of encoding data are delivered on bus 478 to the keypad encoder.
The resulting provision is that, if the encoding data delivered
from the ALPHA code memory are interfering, the BETA code memory
store of encoding data may instead be utilized in an attempt by the
user to minimize or eliminate the command interference.
I show the encoded data signal is delivered on line 482 to a data
input of a shift register 480. A keybutton entry signal also
couples on line 484 with a shift-in control function 486 which
couples 488 with the shift register to advance its storage facility
by "one digit", thereby storing the most immediate keybutton entry
as encoded data. For example, to select channel 46, a user may
enter a 4 and a 6. The shift register 480 will first store the 4
and subsequently the 6 as two 4-bit nybbles or two 8-bit bytes of
data (depending upon engineering considerations in the specific
intercoupling of the shift register and related elements).
A SEND button 490 coupled by line 492 urges a shift-out control
function 494 coupled 496 with the shift register to release the
mentioned channel selection digits as data which are coupled on
line 498 with a sender 500 for wireless translation 502 to a
remotely controlled device. In effect, pressing the SEND button
steps the shift register to "output" the stored channel selection
values 4 and 6 as encoded binary words on line 498 in the manner of
a FIFO memory.
I further show a LINK button 510 which may be actuated by a user,
coupling 512 a signal with a read link memory function 514. The
link memory 522 is fundamentally a determination of one of two or
more preestablished states for setting up the distal remotely
controlled device, and usually the televisor, to compatible
intercoupling states relative with other devices. Most commonly,
this may translate into affirming a setting of the televisor's
tuner on channel 3 or channel 4. The selection of which state is
sought is determined by a presettable switch 526 coupled
524-1,524-2 with the link memory 520. The result is a delivery of
data on line 516 which are representative of the necessary
interlink setup command, for example channel 3. Hence, the data on
line 516 may represent binary words weighted by the leading-zero
formatted channel selection values .0.3. A signal on line 518
delivered from the read link memory function 514 also urges the
shift out control 494 to presently read-out the encoded link memory
command data and submit it to the remotely controlled device (and
usually the televisor) using the sender 500.
A remotely controlled device incorporating my invention's
interference reduction scheme appears in FIG. 19. A "receiver" 530
intercepts 532 a stream of encoded data which are sent 502 from the
remote controller 460. The receiver delivers the encoded signal 534
to a decoder 540. I show an ALPHA code memory 542-1 and BETA code
memory 542-2 coupled 544-1,544-2 with a switch 548 and thence by a
data bus 546 with the decoder 540. Realize that the ALPHA and BETA
code memory data stored in memories 542-1,542-2 are reflective of
the correspondent ALPHA and BETA code stored in memories
472-1,472-2 (of FIG. 18). In practice, the switch 548 selection is
compatibly set to agree with the switch 476 selection. The result
is a decoded command signal on bus 552 that couples with a
controlled device 550, shown to typically include one of a
televisor 560-1, cable box 560-2, satellite receiver 560-3, VCR
machine 560-4, DVD machine 560-5, DVR machine 560-6 or any one of a
plethora of other remotely control video and audio entertainment,
or home theater, devices 560-7.
I anticipate and even expect that a skilled artisan may develop the
details of my invention's implementation methodology with
considerable variation regarding hookup, arrangement of elements,
hardware details and even operational preferences. Such alternate
schemes result from mere application of retroversive engineering
skill coupled with the plethora of parts, components and known
mechanisms which might be utilized to construct or concoct
practical apparatus and in particular remote controllers according
to the underlying teachings of my invention.
It shall therefore be understood that whatever choice of
components, component values, elemental intercoupling, physical
configuration, power source, wireless technique, keypad
arrangement, encoding scheme and similar matters of style or
technique shall be unequivocally construed as mere engineering
choices or options utilized to satisfy product goals for a specific
application and embodiment for my invention's underlying novelty
and that such choices shall be considered fully within the scope
and operative intent of my claimed invention.
* * * * *